Administrative action if shops are closed: Mamata

February 19, 2013 15:38 IST

After warning of stern action against enforcement of the two-day general strike by Central trade unions, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday steps would be taken if shops were closed in the next two days in the state.

The chief minister told a meeting of the government-instituted Task Force that administrative steps would be taken if shops were closed in the next two days, West Bengal Forum of Traders' Associations General Secretary

Rabindranath Kolay said.

Kolay, who was present at the meeting, said the chief minister directed that police would patrol all markets during the strike so that normal activities were maintained.

She said her government would pay compensation in case of ransack or damage to shops by strikers.

The chief minister, however, did not elaborate on the point of compensation, Kolay said.

The chief minister said on Monday that there would be no bandh in the state and the administration would ensure that life was normal and work did not suffer.